Host Brazil kicked off the 2014 World Cup on Thursday with a 3-1 win over Croatia. Three more matches took place today (with four slated for Saturday, including Costa Rica vs. Uruguay at 1 p.m.). Here are the best shots from all of Fridays games.

See the full schedule for the group stage of the World Cup here.

Group A: Mexico vs. Cameroon

After having their first two goals disallowed, Mexico finally got one that counted in the second half against Cameroon. El Tri then held on for the 1-0 victory.

Group B: Spain vs. Netherlands

The Netherlands got their revenge on Spain in this rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. While Spain struck first on a penalty, the Dutch responded with five unanswered goals to take the 5-1 victory. Netherlands first goal, an astounding diving header by Robin Van Persie, might be the best goal anyone will see all tournament.

Group B: Chile vs. Australia

Chile came out with two quick goals in the first half, but then the Chileans found themselves having to hang on against the lowest ranked team in the World Cup. Australia got one goal back, and missed a few chances to equalize before Chile broke through again late to finish off the Socceroos, 3-1.

Spain suffer not just a defeat but a World Cup disaster against HollandHolland had got what the Spanish describe as a manita, a little hand: a goal for each finger. This was the worst defeat a defending champion had ever suffered at the World Cup and it was the first time Spain had conceded five at the tournament since they were last in Brazil, 64 years ago.

At the final whistle Daryl Janmaat fell to the turf and kissed it, lying there in disbelief. This was astonishing, barely believable. Four years ago, Holland had lost the World Cup final to Spain. Now, they had humiliated them. They had scored five; they could have scored more.

Mexico overcome heavy rain, Cameroon Mexico got just rewards for their attacking intent when Oribe Peralta's 61st minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener at a rain-saturated Dunas arena on Friday (local time).

The Mexicans had two Giovani dos Santos efforts controversially disallowed in the first half but Peralta's goal means they will now feel they have a good chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes hosts Brazil and Croatia.

The third game at the World Cup Friday was a rematch for the ages. The 2010 champion Spain met with runner-ups the Netherlands and what was initially a good match up quickly turned into a 5-1 massacre.

Scoring Onslaught Does In Defending ChampionsIn his life, he has done amazing things, Kuyt said of van Persie. But to score this goal for his country was very special. It was an amazing pass and an even better finish. Its a great start to the tournament, two goals against the world champion. It is amazing for him and it is amazing for the team. Hopefully, this is the start of a great tournament.

It was a result as surprising as it was emphatic. Few could have predicted such a lopsided win for the 2010 runners-up

Is Netherlands defeat the end of Spain reign? Walking alone with slumped shoulders, a bowed head and weary eyes, Xavi exited Arena Fonte Nova wearing the look of a man who knew exactly how profound Friday's 5-1 defeat by Netherlands could prove.

None of the assembled journalists even attempted to pose a question; there was no point.

An embarrassing end to Iker Casillass tenure as Spains No. 1 goalkeeper The humiliation of Casillas was there for the world to see. No need to heap derision on a great keeper scrambling on the ground, his instincts and dignity gone. On the Netherlands fifth goal, he resembled a victim of a beating by a gang of thugs. You almost expected him to assume the fetal position to protect himself. He was, at that point, responsible for four of the five goals scored against his team.

Not his fault, though, you could argue. He should not have come into this World Cup as Spains main goalkeeper. He lost his confidence, timing and technique some time back. He was sometimes poor for Real Madrid this past season, and not their first choice in league games. And before that again, when José Mourinho was in charge there, he recognized that Casillas was fading and dropped him. There was controversy in Madrid at the time over that. But Mourinho was correct.

And heres the thing: Finger-pointing at Casillas actually reveals a truth about Spain, not the keeper. Spains reign isnt over, but Casillass is. With another goalkeeper in place, Spain can flourish once again.

Saturday Game of the Day: England vs. Italy The Azzurri will be led by dynamic striker Mario Balotelli. Gianluigi Buffon, the hero of 2006, is still in goal, making his fifth World Cup team. England, champions at home in 1966, is led, once again, by Wayne Rooney who has yet to produce anything but a red card in two previous World Cups. In 2010, England tied the United States in group play, and finished second, going on to lose to Germany 4-1 (a game remembered by the English for a disallowed equalizing goal). Aside from Rooney and Steve Gerrard, the Three Lions are relying on youth. The last time England made it past the quarterfinals was in 1990.

England staff are thought to have commissioned their own investigations, receiving assurances from the Sports Turf Research Institute that while the turf may not be nice to look at, playing on it should be fine.

Striding onto the platform with confidence, it looked a sure bet he was going to pick Roy Hodgsons young outfit.

He even had a quick sniff of the St Georges flag before deciding it best to sit down and give it some more thought.

Not one but two scratches of the backside later and there was a change of heart.

You could almost see the cogs of his mind twirling, thinking: No, no. With Pirlo pulling the strings in midfield and Balotellis strength up front, theyve got this in the bag. The boot-shaped country it is!

And with his prediction of a win for the 2006 World Cup champions, he devoured his well-earned grape in reward.

I'm taking the family to the beach today. They have no idea how much I want to see this game. To them, it's like missing a mid-season baseball game. At least I can catch the replay, and the night game.

If you don’t care about it, why even read this thread ... much less post on it. You’re like one of those anti-Christian atheists that’s always going on and on against something they don’t believe in anyway.

If you don’t like the game, go away.

50
posted on 06/14/2014 6:26:47 AM PDT
by al_c
(Obama's standing in the world has fallen so much that Kenya now claims he was born in America.)

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